Exhibit Puts the Focus on Artists from SB to LA

Eight area artists who are gaining prominence will show their art in a new exhibition, “ArtWatch 2014: Young Careers – SB to Greater LA,” Sept. 25–Nov. 22 in the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. An artists’ reception on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 4-6 p.m. at the museum, is free and open to the public.

“We’ve launched this new series, ArtWatch, to focus on different issues and themes that engage contemporary artists living on the West Coast,” says Judy L. Larson, Askew professor of art history and director of the museum. “This first exhibition features artists who are working out of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles. They are young in their careers, but already fully launched as artists to watch.”

The artists are Stephanie Dotson of Santa Barbara, Julia Haft-Candell of LA, Nathan Huff of Santa Barbara, Kiel Johnson of LA, Laura Krifka of Ventura, Chris Rupp of Santa Barbara, Devon Tsuno of LA and Liat Yossifor of LA. Rupp is a Westmont art instructor and collections manager. Huff is an assistant professor of art at Westmont.

“Among the pleasures of living near one of the world’s artistic centers (LA), is the possibility of discovering talented painters and sculptors who offer new directions in the art world,” Larson says. “These artists represent a diverse array of styles, methods, media and content.” The exhibition will include painting, sculpture, and drawing.

The museum, celebrating its fifth anniversary, will host the West Coast premiere of internationally famous Chakaia Booker (Dec. 11-Jan. 31) and “Rembrandt and the Jews” (Feb. 12-March 28).

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. It is closed Sundays and college holidays. For more information, please visit www.westmontmuseum.org or contact the museum at (805) 565-6162.